Characterization of Kombucha Beverages Fermented with Various Teas and Tea Fungus

  • Lee, Sam-Pin (Department of Food Science and Technology, Keimyung University) ;
  • Kim, Chan-Shick (Department of Faculty of Horticultural Life Science, Cheju National University)
  • Published : 2000.09.01

Abstract

Kombucha beverages were made from sweetened tea by Oriental, European and Tibetan tea fungus starters. The hot water extracts o green tea, black tea, Gugija and Omija were mixed with white and/or brown sugar, and were fermented under a static culture at 3$0^{\circ}C$. Titrable acidity, pH, color and cellulose production in kombucha beverages were evaluated. All tea fungus starters showed a higher acid production in green/black tea extracts rather than Gugija and Omija extracts. In green/black tea extracts Oriental tea fungus produced a kombucha beverage with a higher titrable acidity and lower pH than those of European and Tibetan tea fungus starters. By the static fermentation of green/black tea extract for 18 days, Oriental, Tibetan and European tea fungus starters produced cellulose pellicles of 0.43g, 0.16g, and 0.19 g (dry weight) on the top in the culture, respectively. As a mother starter, the cellulose pellicle was more efficient in acid production compared with tea fungus broth. Oriental/Tibetan mixed tea fungus showed the best acid production in the green/black tea extract supplemented with brown sugar.

Keywords